Madeira Rural Blog

The Lime Route – Museum Centre

The lime route museum center is located in the municipality of São Vicente; this municipality contains several accommodations from Madeira Rural that you are able to reserve.

The lime route museum centre encloses an area close to 12 000m2, in which you will be able to find beautiful breathtaking landscapes, two limestone quarries, a lime kiln and other constructions used to support cattle-raising and farming, such as haylofts, cultivation fields and levadas “Water channels”, very typical of Madeira´s landscape.
The lime route museum is integrated in a rural environment preserving some building and characteristics typical of Madeira´s rural landscape, with its farm and cattle raising structures.
The limestone from the quarries had several uses; it was used in stone pavements, fonts, millstones, lime production, along with other uses. After it was transported to the lime kiln house, the limestone was burned to produce lime which was used in mortars, walls whitening, soil stabilizer and for funeral practices to prevent infections and diseases spreading.
From the 1st of April until the 31st of September, the museum centre is opened from 10h00 to 18h00. The 1st of October until 31st of March, the museum is opened from 10h00 until 17h00. The museum centre is opened from Tuesday until Sunday.
Come and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that exist in the lime route museum centre!

Shopping in Madeira

On the various towns across the island you will have shopping opportunities. Local handicrafts shops usually have exquisite embroideries, needlepoint tapestries, Madeiran lace works, Madeira Wine and sugar cane products.

In the center of Funchal you will find innumerable wine shops. Mercado dos Lavradores is a great place to buy flowers, fruit, vegetables and fresh fish, caught in the Atlantic waters surrounding Madeira. It’s also possible to find moderns shopping centers near on the island’s capital.

Canyoning in Madeira

Restaurants & What to eat in Madeira

Most of the restaurants are located in and around Funchal. But all around the island is possible to find many other restaurants with great views and food. Near Madeira Rural accommodation you will great places to eat.

You can expect dining menus to feature freshly caught seafood and fish. Other restaurants are experts in meat dishes such as the traditional “espetada”, “carne de vinho e alhos” and “picado”.

Madeira Island essencial travel info

Madeira Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean 500 km off the African coast and 100 km from Lisbon. It is the largest island of the Madeira Archipelago, which also includes Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens. Politically it’s an autonomous region of Portugal and its capital is Funchal.

These islands are a great place near Europe where it’s possible to harmonize beach, mountain and city vacations.
Despite its small size (55 km long and 24 km wide), the diversity in Madeira is huge. It’s famous for its Laurel Forest, subtropical climate, Madeira Wine among other attractions.
Madeira is rich in natural resources and protected areas (two thirds of the island are classified as Natural Reserve). This makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers. In Madeira Rural accommodations you will have the chance to contact directly with the island’s tradition, gastronomy and culture.
When visiting Madeira you will have the chance to enjoy beautiful gardens, a variety of landscapes, good local cuisine and the renowned hospitality of its people.